Adjustable Flush Lever Assembly with Rotating Arm
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flush levers in toilets lack versatility in mounting positions and adjustability, failing to consistently return to a default position regardless of orientation, and do not allow for optimal placement adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A flush lever assembly with a semi-metallic or plastic handle and skirt, featuring a 360° rotating connecting arm and a 180° rotating lever, both adjustable in 15° increments, with retention clips for positioning and a spring mechanism for consistent return to neutral position, allowing for various mounting configurations and user-friendly customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional flush lever is used with fixed mounting position, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different mounting configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arm is designed to be rotatable relative to the lever body, allowing dynamic adjustment of the mounting angle. This enables the flush lever to adapt to various mounting positions (front left, front right, center, different heights) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled mobility rather than fixed rigidity.
2Ease of operation
If the flush lever is designed for a single default position, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation for different user preferences is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lever incorporates rotatable components that allow users to adjust the handle orientation to their preferred position. The connecting arm can rotate relative to the lever body, enabling users to mount and operate the handle at different angles and positions, thereby improving ease of operation for various user preferences while adding only minimal mechanical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flush lever lacks rotation adjustment capability, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different orientations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arm is designed with rotational capability relative to the lever body, enabling the mechanism to adapt to different orientations and mounting angles. This dynamic adjustment feature allows the flush lever to be installed in various orientations (horizontal, vertical, angled) without requiring completely different lever designs, thereby achieving versatility with moderate structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible mounting options and optimal placement of the flush lever, ensuring consistent operation and user convenience through adjustable and customizable components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism for consistent return to neutral position
Implementation Method 2
The flapper valve is typically designed with an inverted air chamber so that it initially floats as it is lifted away from the drain outlet
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical coupling disposed between the rotatable handle and the flush lever
Data Source
AI summary
A flush lever comprises a handle and a skirt, or escutcheon plate, both disposed to the exterior of a toilet tank. Within the tank is a flush lever subassembly, the subassembly taking one of two different embodiments and each embodiment comprising means for mechanically linking the flush lever with the subassembly. One portion of the flush lever can be variably adjustable within 360° of rotation and by adjustments every 15° for optimal placement of the flush lever as desired or required. Another portion of the flush lever can be variably adjustable within 180° of rotation as well and by adjustments also every 15°.